UAlbany rested after week off

ALBANY >> The University at Albany football team is enduring one of toughest stretches in its history — in terms of wins and losses.

Stuck in a six-game losing streak, the Great Danes haven’t had much fun the past few weeks. This past weekend, however, they got a break from the rough stretch of new foes in the Colonial Athletic Association. UAlbany is coming off of its lone bye in the schedule and feeling a little bit better, as they return to action this afternoon.

“The week off came at a perfect time for us,” said coach Bob Ford.

Still in search of their first win as a member of the CAA, the Great Danes (0-4, 1-7) return to Virginia for the third time in the past six weeks to take on Richmond (0-4, 2-6). Kickoff from Robins Stadium is 4 p.m.

“This week, we feel strongly that if we play well we can win,” said junior quarterback Will Fiacchi. “We’re right there.”

UAlbany has played well for a quarter here or a half there, but has struggled putting consistency together this season. That said, the Great Danes have lost one game in overtime and two more by field goals.

In their most recent game against Towson, UAlbany lost 44-17. That didn’t stop Tigers coach Rob Ambrose from saying that the Great Danes have proved to any doubters that they belong in this league, no matter what the results say so far.

“When you really prove you belong, is when you start beating people,” said Ford.

UAlbany went through the most demanding stretch in the program’s history over the past few weeks, playing two ranked opponents and the first Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. This past week off helped some of the players recover from bumps and bruises, while also returning with a feeling of a clean slate. Ford gave the players last Friday and Saturday off, but they came back on Sunday, ready to get to work.

“We had a week to rest up and get healthy,” Fiacchi said. “That was a real tough four-game span and I think the week off really helped.”

The week off was even more crucial because of how physical the game against No. 7 Towson was.

“We have never played in a ball game like that,” said Ford.

The day after the game, the treatment room was full of players, more than Ford can recall ever seeing. This week, the Great Danes will be without freshman left guard Michael Senn or sophomore right tackle Adam Pasnik, due to injuries.

UAlbany has stayed in games so far this year, but they have to eliminate opponents from hitting the home run, with a big play that turns the momentum.

“We’ve got to not give up the long pass and the long run, which we have been guilty of,” said Ford.

UAlbany and Richmond are the last two teams still in search of a conference victory this season.

The Spiders, who were picked fourth in the preseason poll after sharing the league crown in 2012, have lost three times by two points and a total of five times by seven points or less.

“Some years are like that,” said Ford.

Despite the losing streak, the Great Danes are still confident and believe if they play well, they can have success.

“If we can execute both phases, the run and the pass game, there’s no reason that we can’t put up points on these guys,” said Fiacchi.